About this Unit
The 82nd Airborne Division, established in 1917, is a renowned airborne infantry division of the U.S. Army, famed for its rapid deployment capabilities and distinguished service in conflicts from World War II to the present. Special Forces, commonly known as the Green Berets, were formally created in 1952 and specialize in unconventional warfare, counterterrorism, and foreign internal defense missions around the globe. Delta Force, officially designated as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), was formed in 1977 as an elite counterterrorism and hostage rescue unit, conducting highly classified operations worldwide. Each unit has a unique mission set, but all are recognized for their rigorous selection standards, advanced training, and vital roles in U.S. military operations.
Historical Facts
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82nd Airborne Division Origins: The 82nd Airborne Division was constituted in 1917 during World War I and was nicknamed the "All-American" division because its original members came from all 48 states.
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First Major Airborne Assault: The 82nd Airborne Division conducted its first major airborne assault during Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily, in July 1943.
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Salerno Jump Controversy: During the Salerno invasion in Italy (1943), elements of the 82nd made a night jump under heavy fire, marking one of the earliest combat jumps in US history.
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Special Forces "Green Berets": US Army Special Forces, popularly known as the "Green Berets," were officially established in 1952 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
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Unconventional Warfare Pioneers: The Special Forces are recognized for pioneering unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and counterinsurgency missions worldwide.
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Delta Force Formation: 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (Delta Force) was formed in 1977, inspired by British SAS, to address increasing terrorism threats.
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Operation Eagle Claw: Delta Force's first major mission was the attempted rescue of American hostages in Iran in 1980, known as Operation Eagle Claw, which ended in failure but led to major changes in US special operations.
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Grenada and Panama: The 82nd Airborne played key roles in Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada, 1983) and Operation Just Cause (Panama, 1989), executing rapid deployment and airborne assaults.
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Delta Force and "Black Hawk Down": Delta Force operators were central to the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia, dramatized in the book and film "Black Hawk Down."
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Medal of Honor Recipients: Members from all three units—82nd Airborne, Special Forces, and Delta Force—have received the Medal of Honor for acts of valor, including Master Sergeant Gary Gordon and Sergeant First Class Randy Shughart for their actions in Somalia.
